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Who Is Liable for an Airbnb Injury in San Bernardino?

Injured on an Airbnb? Contact our team of experienced Airbnb injury lawyers in San Bernardino at 844-844-9119 today for a free consultation.

Understanding Airbnb Injury Liability in San Bernardino

Airbnb offers a convenient and often affordable alternative to hotels for visitors to San Bernardino. Whether guests are staying in a hillside home near the San Bernardino National Forest or a modern loft near downtown, they expect a safe and comfortable experience. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Injuries at Airbnb, such as slips and falls, pool accidents, fires, or unsafe stairs, can turn a relaxing stay into a medical emergency. When that happens, many injured guests or even workers are left asking: Who is responsible?

The answer depends on several factors, including who controlled the property, what caused the injury, and whether the host carried insurance. If you or a loved one has been injured while staying at an Airbnb property in San Bernardino, understanding your rights is the first step toward holding the right party accountable.

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Common Airbnb Injury Scenarios in San Bernardino

Injury claims involving Airbnb rentals often involve premises liability, which means the property owner or occupier may be held responsible if they failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment.

Here are some examples of common injury situations seen in and around San Bernardino:

1. Slips and Falls

Wet floors, broken tiles, loose rugs, or poorly lit stairwells can all cause serious falls. In Airbnb settings, these hazards are often overlooked between guest stays.

2. Balcony or Deck Collapse

Some homes in San Bernardino's hillside neighborhoods offer elevated decks or balconies with scenic views. If these structures are poorly maintained, they can give way, leading to severe injuries or death.

3. Swimming Pool Accidents

Many Airbnbs in Southern California have pools or hot tubs. Lack of fencing, slippery surfaces, or defective pool equipment can lead to drownings or electrocution.

4. Fire or Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Missing smoke detectors or faulty wiring can result in fires. In some cases, faulty appliances or poor ventilation may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Security Issues and Assault

If an Airbnb property lacks basic security, such as functioning locks, outdoor lighting, or secure entrances, and a guest is assaulted or robbed, the host may be liable for failing to provide a safe environment.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Airbnb Injuries?

Property Owner or Host

The Airbnb host or property owner is the most common party held responsible. California premises liability laws require property owners to maintain safe conditions and fix known hazards. If they knew (or should have known) about a danger and failed to address it, they may be liable.

Examples of negligence by a host include:

  • Not repairing broken handrails or steps
  • Failing to clean up spills between guest stays
  • Neglecting to post warnings about unsafe conditions

Airbnb as a Company

In most cases, Airbnb is not directly liable for injuries at host properties. That’s because Airbnb acts as a third-party platform, not as the actual owner or operator of the property. However, there are exceptions:

  • If Airbnb failed to remove a dangerous listing despite complaints
  • If Airbnb advertised safety features that weren’t actually present

Airbnb does offer a limited Host Protection Insurance program, which may provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for guest injuries, but it doesn’t cover all situations and does not guarantee compensation.

Third Parties

In some cases, a third party may be responsible. For example:

  • A contractor who improperly installed a deck
  • A cleaning company that left hazardous substances behind
  • A neighbor or trespasser who caused the injury

An experienced attorney can help investigate and identify all potentially liable parties.

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Airbnb's Insurance Coverage: What It Does (and Doesn't) Cover

Airbnb promotes its Host Protection Insurance, but this policy has limitations and exclusions that can leave injured guests with no direct claim against Airbnb itself.

Covered situations may include:

  • Injuries caused by unsafe conditions, such as a broken stair
  • Damage to guest property caused by the host’s negligence

However, this policy does not cover:

  • Intentional acts like assault
  • Communicable disease transmission (such as COVID-19)
  • Injuries due to criminal activity or illegal listings

If the host doesn’t carry separate homeowner or short-term rental insurance or if Airbnb denies a claim, injured guests may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the host directly.

Steps to Take After an Airbnb Injury in San Bernardino

If you are hurt at an Airbnb, follow these steps to protect your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Visit a local emergency room or urgent care in San Bernardino, such as Arrowhead Regional Medical Center or St. Bernardine Medical Center, as soon as possible.

2. Document the Scene

Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition. Note any visible defects, lack of warning signs, or unsafe features.

3. Report the Incident to Airbnb

File an official report through the Airbnb platform. Keep copies of all communications.

4. Gather Witness Information

If other guests or neighbors saw what happened, collect their contact details.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

An experienced San Bernardino premises liability attorney can help investigate liability, preserve evidence, and handle negotiations with insurance companies.

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Why Choose Countrywide Trial Lawyers for Your Airbnb Injury Case?

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we help injured victims get the compensation they deserve after an Airbnb injury. Our legal team is experienced in navigating the complex mix of California premises liability law, Airbnb’s insurance process, and local codes and ordinances that apply to short-term rentals in San Bernardino.

We bring a trial-ready approach to every case and treat each client with the compassion and attention they deserve. Whether your case can be resolved through a settlement or needs to be litigated in San Bernardino Superior Court, we are prepared to fight for your rights.

Contact an Airbnb Injury Lawyer in San Bernardino Today

If you were injured at an Airbnb in San Bernardino, do not try to take on the legal system alone. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building a strong case on your behalf.

Call Countrywide Trial Lawyers at 844-844-9119 now for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout San Bernardino, including Highland, Loma Linda, Redlands, and Grand Terrace. Let us help you hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward.

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